Dáil debates

Thursday, 31 March 2022

Women's Health Action Plan: Statements

 

2:05 pm

Photo of Jennifer WhitmoreJennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I would like to take this opportunity to briefly raise the issue of the new national maternity hospital with the Minister and the language that is being used surrounding the debate at present. I want to get on the record how disappointed I am with the language that the Minister, in particular, has used over the past few months in relation to the concerns that have been expressed by women in Wicklow, across this country and, indeed, in this Chamber. Referring to these concerns as "malicious", "misinformed" and "misleading" comes across as a calculated tool to silence women when it comes to matters fundamental to their health. Let us face it, it is not the first time in the history of the State that this kind of mechanism has been used to silence women. It is certainly not in line with the policies that the Minister states here today when it comes to listening to women and their concerns.

I have a specific question and I would appreciate if the Minister could respond. Will the legal agreement that the Minister states copper-fastens that all medical procedures allowable under the law will be available in the hospital specify when they will be allowable and if they will be allowable on an elective basis? There is a big difference between having something technically allowed and it being actively provided to women. If a woman goes in and actively asks for a termination or a sterilisation, will that be allowed? If it is not specified within that legal document, how can the Minister guarantee that the ethos will not prevail over the wishes and needs of women when it comes to maternity?

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.